MIAMI (Le Floridien) — The Taste of Miami Karnival shooting took a major turn Friday as Miami police arrested a North Miami Beach man in connection with the deadly incident that left one man dead and two others wounded in Little Haiti. The 22-year-old man is now in police custody in connection with the shooting that turned a festive night in Little Haiti into tragedy, killing one young man and injuring two others during Taste of Miami Karnival, Sunday nitght.
Miami police identified the suspect as Jamesly Mezime, who now faces one count of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Investigators say the deadly gunfire claimed the life of 23-year-old Kitchner Cyrille. Two other people were also wounded, including Cyrille’s former girlfriend and his uncle.
Mezime appeared in court Friday, where a judge ordered that he remain behind bars without bond. The court also ordered him to have no contact with the two surviving victims if he is later released.
The violence erupted late Sunday night, shortly before 11:30 p.m., near Northeast Second Avenue and 62nd Street, where crowds had gathered for the Caribbean cultural celebration. What had been a vibrant community event ended in panic after gunfire broke out near the main stage area.
According to police, investigators reviewed surveillance footage that helped them piece together what happened. The video allegedly showed an altercation involving the suspect and Cyrille before shots were fired. Authorities believe the confrontation may have been rooted in a jealousy-related dispute.
A police source said the suspect told investigators that he was pushed during the argument before pulling out a gun. According to that same source, he was upset that his former girlfriend had found a new boyfriend, a detail that may help explain the apparent jealousy behind the confrontation.
Police spokesman Mike Vega said detectives were able to track the suspect after days of investigative work. During the inquiry, they also determined that the victim had been robbed during the incident, with someone reaching into his pockets before fleeing.
The investigation led officers to conduct surveillance near Mezime’s residence in North Miami Beach. After he left the home, undercover units followed him and later took him into custody near Biscayne Boulevard and 38th Street.
Police said the arrest happened without incident and that Mezime later cooperated with detectives, giving a statement after being taken to the station.
The shooting sent shockwaves through the Haitian community and overshadowed an event that had otherwise been celebrated as a major success in Little Haiti. Organizers and city officials have insisted that the bloodshed stemmed from a personal dispute and should not be seen as a reflection of the carnival itself.
The case remains under investigation.
